Noise presents a constant challenge in daily communication. Previous research has demonstrated the effects of ipsilateral noise on speech processing in the human brain. In this study, we examined the effects of contralateral noise on the accuracy of frequency coding at the subcortical level. By using a speech stimulus that mimicked the English vowel /i/ with a rising frequency contour, we obtained scalp-recorded, frequency-following responses in nine normal-hearing adults. To determine the effects of contralateral noise, we performed two experimental conditions: with and without the presence of contralateral noise. Results indicated that the fidelity of frequency coding, as reflected through Tracking Accuracy and Slope Error, were significantly degraded when continuous white noise was added to the contralateral ear. These findings provide important information and help us better understand how frequency cues are processed in noisy environments.

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